Obituary

Marilyn passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at home at the age of 82 in the comfort of her loving family. She was born on January 7, 1944, in Orangeville, Ontario, to parents Keith and Madeline (Simpson). Beloved wife of Irvine, loving mother of John (Martha), Nancy, Kevin (Laurie) and Leanne. Cherished Grandma of Gavin, Nicole, Kane, Kyla and special bonus grandsons Andres and Daniel. She also leaves behind her siblings Grant (Cathy 2015, Elaine), Bernice (Steve) and Jim, sister-in-law Leona (Allan), as well as nieces and nephews. Marilyn will be missed by extended family, neighbours and friends. Marilyn grew up on the family farm in Caledon, Ontario, the oldest of four siblings. She began her education at S.S.#13 Alton School, a one-room school, graduating from Orangeville High School. She was a proud member of the 1967 class of the Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital Nursing School’s residential program, which continues to gather in friendship after 58 years. In 1964, she met her best friend for life Irvine. Together they built an amazing life. They married in 1967, started their family in Weston, then moved to Guelph and Fergus to raise their four children, before returning to Guelph. Marilyn enjoyed being involved in the kids’ school, baseball and hockey, and through these activities she gained many wonderful, lifelong friends. Marilyn loved being a grandma, cheering her grandchildren on at hockey and soccer games and exploring the mountains of Jasper and Arizona. She cherished the memories she made with them. Marilyn took great joy from the simple things in life – cooking, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, sewing, crafting and tending her beautiful gardens. She held dear memories of family vacations to Maine, road trips and travel with Irvine, and visits with family and friends. Marilyn took much happiness from connecting with her many caring neighbours. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, from 1-4pm at The Guelph Country Club, 133 Woodlawn Rd. E., Guelph.  Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. In memory of Marilyn, donations to Aboyne Rural Hospice or an organization of your choice would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Marilyn J. Bruce in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.